Overview
What makes a face look square
A square face has a strong, angular lower half, usually from prominent jaw angles or bulky chewing muscles at the back of the jaw. A defined jaw can be striking, but many people feel it makes their face look heavy and would prefer a softer, more oval or V-shaped outline.
Bone, muscle, or both
There are two main causes, and many people have some of each:
- Bone: wide or flared jaw angles, which are inherited and common in many East Asian patients.
- Muscle: enlarged masseter muscles, often from clenching, grinding, or chewing gum a lot.
A quick check during your consultation, feeling the muscle while you clench, helps show which one is driving the width.
Treatment options
For bone, Dr. Kim performs facial bone reduction to reshape the jaw angle for a permanent, more tapered contour. For muscle, Botox relaxes the masseters so they slim down over several weeks. That effect is temporary, so treatment is repeated a few times a year. Some people also benefit from buccal fat removal to refine the cheeks.
The goal is a face that looks balanced and still fits your features and heritage, rather than a one-size-fits-all shape.
Recommended Treatment
Facial Bone Reduction
Cheek Reduction also known as Zygoma reduction, aims to reduce protruding cheekbones. The more protruded the cheekbone (Zygoma), the stronger and rougher the impression it gives out. The cheekbones may look more protruded as the cheeks sink due to aging. Cheekbone reduction further reduces the cheekbone through L-shaped osteotomy (bone cut) to make the side and front cheekbone look smaller while forming a natural volume according to the twisting movement of the cheekbones.
Learn More About This Treatment